Sure, Always pads are better for you than tampons.  So maybe this is your first step.  But remember - disposable pads are still wreaking havoc on the environment - still adding to the demand of the paper mill industry, still bleached!  

Re-Usable Pads!  They're great!  They're nicer to your body (terry cloth is much more comfy than paper).  They're nicer to the environment.  They're nicer presents than lottery tickets.

You can make your own (really easy once you get the hang of it), or you can buy them!  Below is a list of online companies where you can purchase re-usable pads.  Some also have patterns for making your own.  If you belong to a co-op or regularly visit a natural food store, demand that they begin to carry these products!  Visibility to alternatives is key!

The Keeper Cup is the "internal protection alternative."  And it is just what it sounds like - a little cup that keeps your blood.  It looks sort of like a little hour glass.  They come in 2 sizes, one for before you've had children, and one for after.  The keeper gets rave reviews from almost everyone who has one.  They cost around 35$, but I know people that have used their keeper every month for 10 years!  It's easy to spend that much in one year on disposable products.  

Say what?  A sea sponge, you know, the cute little things you had to study in 8th grade biology.  Buy a sea sponge (available almost anywhere), and cut it up into different sizes.  See what works best.  Use a smaller piece on lighter days, a larger piece on heavy days.  If you are really adept, you can squeeze your PC muscles and 'wring' the sponge out!  If you're afraid you'll lose it, simply tie a piece of string around it -- BUT be careful -- strings (like those attached to those pesky tampons) are extremely helpful little ladders for infections to crawl up!  Once you get used to it, you'll realize that you can't lose your sponge anyway.  Sponges should be boiled before their first use, and washed well after every period.  Then they need to be stored in a clean, dry place (not inside a ziplock baggy!) between periods.  Replace your sponge if it starts crumbling or showing other signs of wear.

Not quite ready to give up your trusty, 'reliable' tampon?  There are currently several types of organic, non-bleached, all-cotton tampons available on the market right now.  These still are wasteful, but do not contain rayon fibers (a questionable factor in the risk of TSS), and do not have dioxins (because they're not bleached).  These tampons are available through various online catalogs, the Giaim/Harmony catalog, and should be available at your local co-op, and natural food stores!  If they're not - ask that the retailer stock them (and then be sure to buy them!).  Natracare will sell in cases, COD.  This represents a substantial savings (about half of retail pricing).  Put together your own tampon-buying club!